Tucson, Ariz. – Over two consecutive days, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized 4,800 pounds of marijuana worth more than $2.4 million, recovered two stolen pick-up trucks and arrested14 undocumented migrants.
Tuesday evening, Casa Grande Station agents responding to detection technology near Pisinemo, Ariz., discovered two abandoned Ford trucks containing a combined 3,583 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1,791,500. Records checks revealed the trucks had been reported stolen by the Phoenix Police Department.
Early yesterday, Ajo Station agents and a fixed-wing aircraft crew from the Office of Air and Marine’s Tucson Air Branch responded to detection technology near the village of Pia-Oik, Ariz., and located 1,216 pounds of abandoned marijuana worth an estimated $608,000. Agents later apprehended 14 individuals, illegally present in the U.S., approximately one mile from the bundles of marijuana.
All subjects will be processed according to Tucson Sector guidelines. The stolen vehicles were turned over to the Department of Public Safety. The marijuana will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Transnational criminal organizations use a variety of methods to transport narcotics and migrants through local communities. Detection technology enhances the Border Patrol’s ability to gain situational awareness in remote areas, causing smugglers to abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and federal prosecution.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.